Author: Secretary

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

225 EAST MAIN STREET

P.O.  BOX 421

MILLHEIM, PA 16854

(CENTRE COUNTY)

PHONE (814)-349-5350       FAX (814)-349-5733

REGULAR MEETING

August 18, 2023

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 8:01 AM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler and Nickelaus Engle. Absent Beth Cowher, Cecilia Gallup, Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Sherry Corman Borough Treasurer/Assistant Secretary and Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens present: none

Citizens input: A letter has been received from Sharon Heckman, expressing appreciation on the excellent job the road crew has done this summer with the maintenance of the small alleys within the borough.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to transfer $1000.00 from the water account to the general account for reimbursement of the monies sent to the Millheim Pool to help cover the water usage. Seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the July 2023 financial reports as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB or the Planning Commission.

Employee Reports:

Major storms went through on July 14^th and 15^th. Residents were given a week to gather any small limbs and branches that were knocked down by the storm. Storm damaged limbs and branches were then picked up the week of July 17^th, following the same guidelines as established for the fall and spring brush pickup. As per council request, the maintenance crew has assumed the duties of mowing Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay invoice 120923 in the amount of $1165.59 to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered completing the NPDES renewal documentation, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.   

Haines Township – Fire Police Request:

Haines Township Board of Supervisors is hosting the Dutch Fall Festival and is requesting the service of the Millheim Fire Police on Saturday October 7^th and Sunday October 8^th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve Haines Township Board of Supervisors request for the use of the Millheim Fire Police On October 7^th and 8^th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. 

2024 Financial Requirements (pension)

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to authorize Katie Blume, Council President, to sign the financial requirement and minimum municipal obligation budget for 2024, as prepared by Thomas J. Anderson and Associates Inc., in the amount of $9530.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.  

Budget Work Sessions: To be determined at a later date.

Suicide awareness resolution 2023-08:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adopt resolution 2023-08 designating the month of September 2023 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, also designating September 10, 2023 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Updates on Infrastructure – no report

Update on Solar Projects – no report

Streets:

A very detailed rough draft was presented to council with the updated road an alley descriptions. The descriptions and names are now matching Centre County 911. A final review will be done once descriptions are finalized. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to authorize solicitor Miller to advertise the new street ordinance upon approval by Centre County 911, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Human Rights Commission:

Upon review of the updated human rights ordinances, Robert Zeigler made a motion to authorize Solicitor Miller to advertise the ordinance to establish the regional human relations commission And the ordinance to ensure anti-discrimination, seconded by Nickelaus Engle . Motion carried.

Reichard Cemetery update:

More names have been located that appear to have been buried in the cemetery. Precise gave locations have not been found due to time passed leading to the deterioration of coffins and remains.

VCAB Request:

Receipts from the Summerfest will be presented to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau for approval. Once approved Valley Community Business Alliance would like to have the funds disbursed as soon as possible to be able to cover expensed incurred by the event.  Robert Zeigler made a motion to authorize payment to Valley Community Business Alliance as soon as the funds are received from Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report

Claren Court Paving:

Brookside homes has contracted with Riteway Paving for the paving of Claren Court paving was to be completed between August 10^th and August 16^th.

St. John’s Line Painting:

A request has been received from St John’s Lutheran Church to allow closing of Race Alley on August 28^th to allow a contractor to paint the lines on their parking lot. It is expected to be closed for only a few hours to allow the paint to dry. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the request for the closing of Race Alley provided  that the residents of the area be notified, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Frazier/Long Street:

The Borough road crew has informed council of a trench that is being dug along the east side of Long Street, also along the north side Frazier Street a letter has been sent to the resident of the adjacent property informing them to desist any further damage to Borough roadways.

Water Leaks:

In order to conserve water usage, emails are being sent to borough residents that appear to have higher than normal water usage for the month.

Printer:

A request has been received from Sherry Corman, borough treasurer, to replace the printer/scanner at her desk as it is no longer working properly. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to authorize the purchase of said scanner/ printer seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adjourn, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 AM.

_____________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

225 EAST MAIN STREET

P.O.  BOX 421

MILLHEIM, PA 16854

(CENTRE COUNTY)

PHONE (814)-349-5350       FAX (814)-349-5733

REGULAR MEETING

July 11, 2023

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Nickelaus Engle and Beth Cowher. Also in attendance Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Sherry Corman Borough Treasurer/Assistant Secretary and John Segursky, Buchart-Horn. Absent Cecilia Gallup and Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens present: none

Citizens input: none

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB or the Planning Commission.

Regional Planning:

A road masters meeting will be held the end of July. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss various work projects needed in the borough and townships that collaboration could be done to obtain grant moneys for all municipalities to complete the desired projects.

Employees Reports:

The road crew has been trimming the necessary roadside shrubs and fixing berms. A huge issue on Long Lane was drainage, they have slowly been working at fixing the roadside slopes to help with water discharge. They will continue to keep working on this project as weather allows. Some smaller projects consisted of the Fountain Park lights, straightening light poles from people backing into them or horses being hitched up to them, while doing so all the globes on the poles were taken off and deep cleaned. They have been able to catch up on fire hydrant painting that the Fire Company requested and have almost completed the paint jobs on the necessary hydrants. This will allow the Fire Company, when attached to the hydrant, to be able to tell the gallons per minute the hydrant will produce.

The month of June according to the rain gauge has rainfall at 5.7 inches. It is recommended that the water advisory be lifted. There have been several issues with high water usage at residence property mostly due to leaky toilets, residents have been notified.

Test results are proving that a scheduled and consistent life for the bugs there make it work. The membranes will probably need cleaned this month but it is just a normal maintenance procedure.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the June 13, 2023 minutes as presented, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the June 2023 financials as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Beth Cowher to pay the Harris Computer invoice for UBPro support in the amount of $1,232.00, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Beth Cowher to pay the invoice 120742 in the amount of $1,514.25 to Buchart-Horn for professional services on the 2023 NPDES renewal, and invoice 120746 in the amount of $1,245.00 for professional services on the dam weir and water plant screen, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Human Relations Commission:

Several municipalities had adopted ordinances to see that every resident receives the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities, unburdened by unjust discrimination. These municipalities have also established a regional human relations commission to help protect people for the negative direct and secondary effects of discriminatory practices. It is hoped that the regionalized approach will provide a vehicle for complaints to be investigated, resolved, dismissed or prosecuted. Much discussion was held as to such ordinances would be beneficial to the Borough of Millheim. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to table and decision until the August 08, 2023 meeting, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Beth Cowher – no, Robert Zeigler – yes, Nickelaus Engle – yes and Katie Blume – Yes.

Motion passed.

Pool request:

The pool is requesting assistance from the borough with mowing and additional financial support. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to have the borough maintenance crew take over the mowing of the Lion’s Club property at the pool, staff will track hours worked and cost of fuel, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A request has also been received from the pool board for the pool to be exempt from water usage charges. The Borough currently waives the monthly maintenance fees for both water and sewer. Discussion was held on the water usage at the pool with a review of past years usage. A motion was made by Katie Blume to donate $1,000.00 designated for water usage in lieu of waiving water usage fees to insure proper maintenance of plumbing and water conservation, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

The pool board has asked if the borough has access to any funds to assist in the purchase and installation of new heating system for the pool, also if we would assist in the research and act as a liaison with the other local municipalities to identify potential funding for this need. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to request additional information, to clarify discrepancies, prior to making any decision or commitment in further assisting the pool and pool board, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion

passed.

VCBA and Summerfest:

Valley Community Business Alliance will be holding Summerfest, focusing on downtown Millheim and the Millheim Fire Hall area. VCBA has requested that Poplar Street to be closed from North Street to just beyond Sugar Alley (by the former PV Jewelers Shop) as well as that small portion of Sugar Alley. Also to have access to the grass lot at Center Street and Water Street to use for parking, if needed, and use of the Gazebo at Fountain Park to provide information and/or directions. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve VCBA requests and to have Katie Blume sign the HVAB 2023-24 Tourism Grant in the amount of $6,250.00, funds to then be transferred to VCBA, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

As the business alliance is expecting increased foot traffic during the Summerfest event, Robert Zeigler made a motion to send a written request to code enforcement for a one time policing of properties to enforce the Boroughs grass and weed ordinance, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion passed. Katie Blume to send email.

Reichard Cemetery:

The exact location of the cemetery has yet to be determined, ground penetrating equipment will be brought back in later this month to search an adjacent area. Our solicitor recommends that borough staff not be used in clearing of any new areas as there is no written documentation of sale.

CATA opportunity:

Regional planning and local official is speaking with CATA to determine what if any services can be provided to the Penns Valley area.

CPI and state labor:

Sources of labor for upcoming projects.

Old Action Items

Updates on infrastructure:

Second round of bids results on Dam Weir project: Greenland Construction $211,000.00 and Maverick Construction $215,000.00. Katie Blume made a motion to accept the bid from Greenland Construction in the amount of $211,000.00, pending review by our solicitor and engineer, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed

DCED Multimodal grant bridge project:

A site meeting was held on April 25, 2023, with a bridging company. I am waiting on their final proposal for the pricing. It appears that using this system may allow for both Elk Street and Plum Street to be completed. An agreement for services based upon the grant application. The engineering fee listed in the grant application was $80,000.00.

WWTP project – Equilization Tank:

Buchart-Horn is designing the tank and the control mechanism for the EQ Tank. A preliminary design meeting will be held with Justin in the next month to finalize layout and controls.

An agreement for services based upon the grant application. The engineering fee listed in the grant application was $40,000.00.

LSA grant application:

Millheim Borough was selected to receive $400,000 from the Local Share Account program. This grant is to replace the raw water line from the dam to the new main along SR 0445 and a section further down toward town. This program does not have a match component. Buchart-Horn will present an agreement to Council to begin this process.

Update on solar projects:

Construction to start at sewer solar project in September 2023.

Fee schedule consistency:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-08, updated fee schedule for the borough effective January 01, 2024, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion passed.

Rental ordinance follow up:

Mike Lesniak is working with council.

Streets: No report

Medical Center Update:

Gonzalo Rubio was appointed to represent the borough on the medical center board. They are researching the possibility of having some form of urgent care, but need to find and interested party.

Water/burn advisory:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to lift the water/burn advisory, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Committee and Mayor reports: none received

Secretary’s Report

Parking:

Complaints have been received on the parking situation on Center Street, residents’ state when a car is parked on Centre Street, especially by the intersection of Penn Street it is very difficult for two cars to pass. Residents are also concerned about sliding in to parked vehicles in the winter months. Council will monitor the situation.

ATV traffic:

It has been brought to our attention that ATVs are now running on Borough property and allies, this is a code violation and has been turned over to code enforcement.

A motion was made by Beth Cowher to adjourn, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion Passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.

_____________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

225 EAST MAIN STREET

P.O.  BOX 421

MILLHEIM, PA 16854

(CENTRE COUNTY)

PHONE (814)-349-5350       FAX (814)-349-5733

REGULAR MEETING

June 13, 2023

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Cecilia Gallup and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Sherry Corman Borough Treasurer/Assistant Secretary and Solicitor John Miller. Absent Beth Cowher.

Citizens present: none

Citizens Input: An email has been received requesting council look into parking issues on Penn Street particularly a situation with neighbors who consistently parking in front of their home. As Penn Street is a narrow street resident feels this presents a safety hazard as accidents have already taken place in front of the house. Based on the information in email council members agreed this is a dispute between neighbors. Solicitor Miller to write letter of explanation to the author of email.

Millheim Borough received a request for sponsorship for the Penns Valley Penguins, our local swim team.  This presents a great opportunity for local businesses to advertise their name. The letter will be emailed to the Borough businesses asking for support of the swim team.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the May 09, 2023 minutes with the correction of the spelling of Mr. Zeigler’s name from Ziegler to Zeigler, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the May 2023 financials as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Employee Reports:

The nice weather has given an opportunity to get the cold patching done on all the roads, fixing the berm along roadsides is the next project. In the first week of May the new tractor was delivered and proven to be very useful. The concrete blocks have been delivered and set, creating bins at the maintenance shop to tidy the appearance of the property and become more organized. Heritage Electric put up new outlets for the Christmas decorations, this was done to allow easier access to the outlets and replace those needing repair. Street sweeping is almost complete.

Employees have requested that residents be emailed a notice about being vigilant with outdoor fires.

The water plant has been running great as usual. There have been no breakdowns or special treatment needed in the month of May. The operator has requested we put a water restriction or conserve water email or announcement together. Although our reservoir is still in good shape, flow wise, another 23 days lacking water, we will need to switch to Elk Creek. Council will be notified if a switch to Elk Creek becomes necessary.

 Sewer plant is running smoothly since the new membranes were installed. Test results are coming back on point. Mr. Kerstetter has been in touch with Sel Edor about the added solar array on the property. They are going to build over top of our effluent pipe this will allow sewer repairs to be done inside the pipe by PSI Solutions as they bring a robot in to fix the piping.

New Action Items

Invoices:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the payment to Heritage Electric in the amount of $1,995.00 for electrical work to repair outlets on light poles, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to approve payment to Sensus in the amount of $1,715.50 for Auto Read software support, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Burning/Water Restrictions:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to email a water advisory to borough residents requesting them to conserve water whenever possible i.e.,  eliminating watering of yards, washing of vehicles, power washing decks, patios and houses. Also include in email about not leaving outdoor fires unattended. Seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Street Signs:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to purchase new street signs following our 911 mapping, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Street ordinance:

Information needs forwarded to Solicitor Miller.

Pride resolution 2023-07:

Katie Blume made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-07, recognizing and supporting June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Octoberfest:

Millheim Fire Company has requested approval to hold Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 23, 2023 and to erect a banner across Route 45, from September 9, 2023 thru the end of event, provided permission is obtained from PennDot, Millheim Hotel and the Millheim Laundromat. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the fire company’s requests, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

APPI Renewal:

The Borough has received a request to negotiate an electricity contract. Referred to Sel Edor for input as we run with solar.

Old Action Items

Update on infrastructure:

Bid Opening:

Bids for the dam weir project were opened, two bids were received: Greenland Construction, $241,000.00 and Maverick Construction $298,400.00. As both of these bids are over budget Cecilia Gallup made a motion to reject all bids, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to rebid the project minus the demo of existing building, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to open the bids prior to the July meeting, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project:

A site meeting was held on April 25, 2023, with a bridging company. Buchart Horn is waiting on their final proposal for the pricing. It appears that using this system may allow for both Elk Street and Plum Street to be completed. An agreement will need to execute for services based upon the grant application. The engineering fee listed in the grant application was $80,000.00

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve the engineering fees up to $80,000.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

WWTP project – Equalization Tank:

Buchart Horn has started designing the tank and the control mechanism for the EQ Tank. A preliminary design meeting will be held with Justin in the next month to finalize layout and controls. An agreement will need to be executed for services based upon the grant application. The engineering fee listed in the grant application was $40,000.00.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve the engineering fee of $40,000.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

LSA Grant Application:

Millheim Borough was selected to receive $400,000 from the Local Share Account program. This grant is to replace the raw water line from the dam to the new main along SR 0445 and a section further down toward town. This program does not have a match component.

NPDES Renewal:             

The NPDES renewal was submitted to DEP on June 12, 2023.

Update on Solar project: no report

Empty lot update:

Mr. DeGarmo is getting estimates on the cost to pour concrete, to replace torn out sidewalk. If we are going to pursue using the lot as a dog park as zoning variance would be needed as it is now zoned R1.

Fee schedule consistency:

Information will be sent to Solicitor Miller to have a resolution prepared with Borough fees. This will put all fees on one schedule.

Secretary’s Report:

We have received back payment on 108 Penn Street and a request to reinstate water service. 151 Penn Street was sent to sheriff sale on June 08, 2023, no notification has been received of buyer.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adjourn seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.

____________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer